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For many families, the end of summer means one thing: a new school year is starting. With that school year comes a lot of new school supplies, from books and backpacks to new clothes and more.
Of course, all the stuff from summer is still strewn all over your house. That can be a problem, as many families struggle with storage space. Your best bet? A “seasonal swap” to store that summer stuff and make room for the new supplies!
If you like the idea of a seasonal swap but aren’t sure where to start, the information below is perfect! Brought to you by the storage experts at NSA Storage, it’s packed with space-saving tips and hacks! Read on to make your seasonal swap, and new school year, a success!
What is a Seasonal Swap?
A seasonal swap is when you swap out all your summer stuff for fall and winter stuff! First, you pack up and store summer things like swimsuits, goggles, pool toys, and summer games. When you’re done, you’ll have space to store the books, school supplies, musical instruments, uniforms, and other school stuff.
In short, a seasonal swap frees up room to store school supplies well, so you don’t end up with a big, messy, frustrating pile. More importantly, it will make the school year easier on everyone in the family, especially your kids!
Decluttering to Make Space
The first step in a successful season swap is to declutter. This will help you organize, store, donate, and possibly throw away summer items. This, of course, is what also helps free up space for the new school supplies to come. Here’s how:
First, Create Three Piles for Your Summer Stuff:
- Items to KEEP– These will be stored until next year.
- Items to DONATE– Items you no longer use or want, but are still in good enough condition to give to Goodwill.
- Items to TOSS– Broken, damaged, and otherwise useless stuff that can be tossed.
Next, Pack The KEEP Items
- Pack pool toys, games, and floats in large boxes
- Hang goggles, fins and snorkels in mesh bags
- Store summer clothes and swimsuits in plastic bins
- Hang bikes, skateboards, and other gear from garage rafters
Be sure to label everything well so it’s easy to find next summer
Create Spaces Geared Towards Student Success
Now that you’ve decluttered and made space, it’s time to put that space to good use. The goal is to turn it into a space geared towards your child’s success at school. Here are a few tips and hacks to do just that:
- Create a Drop Zone
Drop zones are zones where things can be quickly dropped or hung when arriving home. They include jackets, backpacks, books, etc. Pick a spot close to the main door your kids use when coming and going. That way, the same spot can be used to grab everything as your kids leave for school every morning.
- Make a Supply Station
Students need certain school supplies and tools more than others. Make sure you have them ready with a supply station. This can be a small table, extra cabinet, or rolling cart. Fill it with things like pencils, paper, glue sticks, rubber bands, pens, etc.
- Set Up a Homework Zone
Like a drop zone, a homework zone is where homework is worked on, reviewed, and finished. It can also be left here to be taken in the morning. The zone should be quiet and apart from busy areas to reduce distractions. Good lighting and a comfy chair are also a must.
Tips for a Successful Seasonal Swap
1. Make the Swap a Family Affair
Taking ownership is when anyone, including a child, does something on their own. When they do, it makes it easier to use, enjoy, and appreciate that thing.
Letting your kids help, for example, set up drop and homework zones, shop for supplies, etc., will give them ownership. It’s a great way to teach them responsibility and instill a sense of pride in what they do for school.
2. Have Boxes, Bins, Tape, and Markers Ready
Organizing before the swap and after means having containers, including boxes, plastic bins, or something else. Tape for the boxes and markers to label everything well are also important to have on hand. They will make your seasonal swap easier and more successful.
3. Create a Central Donation Pile
If you have several kids and a lot to donate, make a central pile somewhere convenient in your home. A big box or heavy-duty garbage bag you can fill are good choices. Then, when anyone has something to donate, they can toss it onto the pile.
Storage Solutions for Small Spaces
Not all homes will have an abundance of storage space, but that’s OK. With a little effort and creativity, you can make room for school supplies even in the smallest of spaces. Here’s how:
- Use low-profile plastic containers with wheels to roll under beds.
- Over-the-door organizers are great for school supplies. (You can even repurpose a shoe organizer!)
- Use stackable plastic bins. That way, you can stack them and use less floor space to store supplies.
- Use a pegboard with hooks and baskets. Your kid(s) can then store their everyday school items off of their desk to have more space to do homework.
- Hang shelves, baskets, and hooks to store and hang stuff like backpacks, supplies, and projects.
NSA Storage Can Help With Your Seasonal Swap
The transition from summer to school is a tough one for everyone. We hope the information provided today will help you and your family ease into the school year without any major issues.
Renting a storage unit for the school year is something many families do these days. When you do, you’ll have a lot of extra space to store your summer stuff. NSA Storage has storage units of all sizes that are safe, clean, and secure. Stay organized this fall with the help of NSA Storage!
